Thursday, April 22, 2010

Life can be so SWEET...

Does this picture even need words?  My two boys at the Shark Reef Aquarium arm in arm checking out the fish. 
When I found out that I was pregnant with Jackson, I have to admit...I was Scared To Death!  I mean, Andrew wasn't even 2 years old and while we knew we would have another baby someday, I didn't think I was ready yet.  I thought that I would never sleep through the night again!!  I worried that Andrew would feel squeezed out and that he would not know of our love for him if another baby came along to take our time and attention.  But, someone else knew better and had a plan for this family.  I am so thankful not only for my sweet little surprise Jack, but for the friendship these brothers have been blessed with.  Sure, they argue and fight with each other until I am sure to go crazy.  But, I am also thankful that for every moment of fighting between them, there are SWEET moments too.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Conversation Between Brothers

This morning while I was cleaning up the breakfast mess, Jackson was playing Lego Star Wars on the Wii.  I overheard this conversation between my two boys:

Andrew: Jack, after you pass this level you get to unlock Princess Leia in the bikini.

Jack: Oh, Princess Leia.

Andrew:  Well, she is way out of your league though!!

How do they come up with these things? 

Monday, April 19, 2010

Celebrating 6

This year we got to celebrate Andrew's birthday with family and friends at Pump It Up!  This place is the best!  The kids (and some of the grown ups too!) all had a fabulous time jumping, running, climbing and sliding to their hearts' content.  We could tell that they were having a blast by all of the red cheeks and sweaty heads!  Here are some of the highlights:
Andrew being silly after his first time on the big slide!
My adorable niece Rhiley
Grammie and Papa
Daddy trying to catch his breath..  He had as much fun as the kids!
Andrew was king for a day!

Making a wish!
The cupcakes
I think Rhiley liked the cake!  Maybe?!?
Cutiepie Gavin

My sweet Jackson
Andrew with 2 of his best friends...Ben and Jonathan

Monday, April 12, 2010

Happy Birthday to My Love Andrew James


Today my sweet Andrew turns 6 years old!  How is that even possible?  It literally seems like just yesterday that he was placed into my arms and my life.  I cannot put into words how thrilled and blessed we are to have him as our son. 
Our First Picture
(Excuse the quality...it is a scan!!)

We wanted a baby for a very long time before Andrew came along.  I worked until the day before his birth because I didn't want to use even one hour of my maternity leave until he was born.  I will never forget the feelings of excitement and rush of love in the room as he was placed in my arms for the first time.  After we brought him home, I was lucky enough to spend 10 of the most lovely weeks of my life home with him.  No memories could be more powerful then the feeling of that sweet baby laying on my chest as we napped in the afternoon sun.  After 15 years, I was a mommy again.  My dreams were literally coming true!!

1st Birthday Party at Grandma's House

Through the years Andrew has taught us patience as he is a very spirited little boy.  But, his wonderful spirit has also brought more light and laughter to our lives than we ever could have imagined possible.  His eyes sparkle with joy whenever you tell him a secret.  He adores eating peanut butter and grilled cheese but will not try any new foods!  He has the most tender heart.  He is quick to have his feelings hurt but the first to comfort someone who has been hurt.  He protects his little brother always and includes him in his games.  He is a love and still wants to fall asleep in bed with us every night (and I say why not?  Soon enough that will change too!).

2nd Birthday party at My Gym

I love watching him playing outside with his gang of neighborhood friends.  He is always the one in charge and none of them seem to mind as Andrew always has fun and creative ideas!  I love taking him to Kindergarten and seeing him run to the playground.  He seems so big in those moments that a lump often forms in my throat, both from pride and sadness that time is flying by so very fast.


Turning 3 years old!!

Andrew is a wonderful brother both to Anthony and Jack.  He looks up to his big brother and loves the times they play together.  Jackson follows Andrew around and you can tell that he wants to be just like his big brother.  He loves to go to his Grandma and Grandpa's house to play with his cousins and he loves visiting Grammie and Papa and getting spoiled by his uncles there.  He can swim without floaties and will try new things without fear (except new food, of course!).

4th Birthday at Chuck E. Cheese!  We celebrated with cousin Emma!

Today, Andrew's list of favorite things include:

  • Legos (he is building sets by himself following all of the directions!)

  • Star Wars (I guarantee he can answer any Star Wars trivia question you can ask!  He is obsessed!)

  • Video Games (Especially Lego Star Wars and Lego Indiana Jones)

  • Bike Riding and Playing Outside

  • Kindergarten (He is thankfully loving school and is reading like a champ!)
Andrew on the day of his 5th Birthday Party at My Gym

I am more thankful than words can say for the sweet blessing of Andrew in our lives.  I know that we were chosen especially to be his parents and we will always strive to be the best for him.  I hope he knows how very much he is loved today and always. 

6 Years Old today! His shirt says, "Turning Six Rocks"!

Happy Birthday my Love!!  May this year be your best yet!!!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

The Blustery Day

Oh the wind is lashing lustily
And the trees are thrashing thrustily
And the leaves are rustling gustily
So it's rather safe to say
That it seems that it may turn out to be
It feels that it will undoubtedly
It looks like a rather blustery day, today

It sounds that it may turn out to be
Feels that it will undoubtedly
Looks like a rather blustery day today
Today, on this very windy day, I taught the boys how to fly a kite for the first time EVER!!  Why did I wait so long?  It was so much fun.

The sound of their laughter is still ringing in my ears.

**Winnie The Pooh and the Blustery Day

Monday, April 5, 2010

Our Easter in Pictures

Andrew and Jackson with their Easter Baskets

This is what happens when I ask them to pose for too many pictures!

    Handsome Anthony
Cute Rhiley and her momma Carrie
Andrew & Dylan enjoying their Easter Lunch of chips (& salsa)!
Sweet Jackson enjoying some chips too
Can you spot the eggs?
Gavin is ready for the hunt
Look at the concentration...as evidenced by that tongue!

Andrew filled his basket
Rhiley and her Daddy Jared
Andrew scored and found the egg with $5!!
Jack having a slight meltdown that he didn't find the Golden Egg at Grammie's house!
Oh, but he did get cash anyways!  That always makes him happy!

All in all, we had a wonderful Easter.  I am so blessed with the family I have surrounding me in my life.  All I can says is...
I AM THANKFUL

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are my favorite thing to make.  You can be simple or creative and they are wonderful no matter what.  Not to mention to multitude of different flavors and possibilities!!

Tomorrow is Easter and here is my contribution to the Easter dinner at Grammie and Papa's
Springtime on a plate

My favorite...Red Velvet with Cream Cheese frosting

Friday, April 2, 2010

Pump It Up

It is Spring Break here is Vegas and the winds have been blowing!  So, we decided to head indoors for some bouncing fun at Pump It Up.  They had an Easter party complete with jumping, sliding, games, crafts and snacks!  A great time was had by all (except Jack who is scared of the slides!!!).  I tried to get some really fun pics, but mostly they came out blurry because the kids were moving around too fast!  I guess that means they were liking it!!

Jack bouncing away

That's Andrew sliding backwards down the big slide.  He is a rule breaker!  No backwards sliding allowed!!

Andrew won the bunny hop and received the coveted prize of a rubber bracelet!!

My adorable niece Rhiley wasn't too sure about all the action going on!